“Butte County Sheriff’s Office detectives in conjunction with the Chico Police Department are investigating this case as a homicide, due to evidence collected at the scene,” according to the press release.

The exact cause of death is still unknown, but officials are expected to conduct an autopsy. The investigation is ongoing.

Jafet Serrato can be reached atnewseditor@theorion.com or @jafetserrato on Twitter.